“So we read in I Corinthians 14: 13 ” Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret.” The speaker in tongues is edified in the exercise of his gift although his understanding is unfruitful. But to the congregation it is as if he were a barbarian because they have neither spiritual uplift nor natural comprehension : unless he interpret. This gift, like all the others, is open to the earnest, ardent desire of believers. But the Holy Spirit seems particularly pleased to bestow the gift of interpretation on those who already have the gift of tongues. Of course, the apostle is still pressing his point in regard to edification. He is not implying that interpretation should be monopolised by speakers in tongues, but rather desiring that the Spirit’s message in tongues find adequate interpretation into the common language of the congregation. There is no Scriptural prohibition of interpretation by the one through whose lips has just come the message in tongues. Nor, on the other hand, is there any direct recommendation or example of its practice; although there is little use of praying for and receiving the gift if it cannot be used. Our text reads: ” To another the interpretation of tongues.” Perfection therefore, is found in distribution of gifts: not monopolization. So interpreting one’s own tongue should be the exception, not the rule. But, when occasion requires, the speaker in tongues may interpret his own tongue in the church, provided he has received the gift for which he is encouraged to pray.”
David T. Rennie, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, p116, The Puritan Press
Rev John James 